Istanbul Hosts 38th Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swimming Race

Istanbul will stage the 38th edition of the Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swimming Race on 23 August 2026. The open‑water event, recognised by the World Open Water Swimming Association as the “World’s Best Open Water Swimming Event,” will see about 2,500 swimmers from 78 countries tackle a 6.5‑kilometre course that runs from the Kanlıca district on the Asian shore to Kuruçeşme on the European side of the Bosphorus Strait.

The race is part of a packed 2026 sporting calendar for the city, which also includes the UEFA Europa League final in May, the Women’s European Volleyball Championship in August‑September, the Tour of Istanbul and L’Étape Türkiye (a Tour de France event) in September, and the Presidential International Yacht Race in October‑November. Industry reports note a 37 % rise in bookings for sport‑related travel over the past year, underscoring growing interest in “sportcations” and positioning Istanbul as a premier hub for global sports tourism.